USA > South Carolina > Documentary history of the American revolution: consisting of letters and papers relating to the contest for liberty, chiefly in South Carolina, from originals in the possession of the editor, and other sources, V.2 > Part 16
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GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.]
April 18, 1782.
SIR :
Yours of the 11th ultimo is before me. If you suffer Moore and Broderick to remain, they must give bail for their good behavior; each to give two good sureties, bound in five hundred guineas each, and to do six months' duty in the militia; the bond to be executed before a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Lesesne must certainly pay his rent; but it is a matter I have nothing to do with; as it is a civil affair be-
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tween citizen and citizen, there is a way pointed out by law. He never had any promises from me of a billet. which ought not to be done but on the greatest necessity, as it is a grievance to the people, which at all times ought to be avoided when it can. If it can be proved that Solomon Miller has cheated or defrauded the public, he should suffer agreeably to law, which is, to have a hearing before a Justice of the Peace, and, if found guilty, must go to jail, or give se- curity to appear at the next sessions. Capt. Gough told me he had leave of absence for a month. As the Governor and Gen. Greene have come into the plan of dismounting your corps to act as infantry under you, if it is agreeable to you; if not, to remain as they are, without the liberty of impressing any horses for them, for their time of service is so short, it is not worth going to that expense. neither will they let Maham impress any more horses, and without more horses, &c., &c., the few you have cannot be of any service. I will make the proper arrangement, but will not do it without you signify your approbation. which I will wait for. The four barrels indigo, in the hands of Paul Trapier, Esq., you will take for public uses, and may procure clothing for our troops, and rum, sugar, &c. I wish the flag could sail, that Capt. Howell and crew may be dismissed. In my last I mentioned the British being up in St. Thomas', but believe it is premature, as my party of observation, who are down towards Cainhoy, have given me no account of it. For want of forage and subsistence, I shall remove to-day above Murray's Ferry, in St. Stephens'; indeed, I shall be obliged to move often, to prevent the enemy forming any plan against me. I am very sensible the trouble you must have in your command in Georgetown, but your well known abilities and zeal for your country will surmount everything.
I am, with esteem, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS MARION.
GEN. GREENE TO GEN. MARION.
[ Horry MS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, April 14, 1782.
DEAR SIR:
Your favor of the 13th inst. is this moment came to hand. The prospect of a general action is not so immediate as I expected a few days ago. You will, therefore, halt in the neighborhood of Strawberry
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Ferry, and wait there, or in that neighborhood, uutil you hear further from me. I don't believe the enemy will make another excursion soon into St. Thomas', but they may. I should be obliged to you to get an account of all the forage in that quarter; with us it is scarce. I begin to feel afraid our cavalry will be obliged to cross the Edisto for subsis- tence.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, NATHANIEL GREENE.
GEN. GREENE TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, April 15, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
I wrote you yesterday to return to Strawberry, but, as you are so near, before you return I wish to see you, provided you come to Mr. Blake's to-night; but, if you should meet with your first express, and halt short of Mr. Blake's, you may return to the position recommended in that letter. However, I am of opinion, from a variety of reports, the enemy means to take the field in a few days, and that they have little less than 700 negroes armed for the purpose. The British horse were at Dorchester yesterday, but returned last night.
I am, dear sir, your hunible servant, NATHANIEL GREENE,
GOVERNOR MATTHEWS TO GENERAL MARION.
[Horry MS.] CANE ACRE, April 15, 1782.
SIR :
Your letter of the 10th inst. came safe to hand two days ago. The commanders of privateers, knowing their authority, and regardless of our unfortunate situation, are determined to add to our distresses, instead of contributing towards their relief; indeed. the men who usually com- mand these vessels are needy and avaricious to the last degree, and come out with a view of making money by any means that does not subject them to be hanged; humanity is a thing they are totally unac- quainted with. By a late Act of Congress, all British property, where- soever found, is made liable to seizure. How far the vessel in question, : having Gen. Greene's tag, might have violated, I will not pretend to
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judge, if it is put upon this issue; thus its rests with Gen. Greene to take cognizance of the affair. But in the light the matter at present strikes me, we have gone far enough in confining the captain and crew; more rigorous measures may probably bring us into a dispute with the State of North Carolina. What we have already done is a miere act of power, and in our circumstances highly excusable. I would, therefore, recommend that the captain and crew be discharged, and the vessel be permitted to depart as soon as the flag has sailed, and got beyond all danger of being taken. I should be extremely glad if you could con- tract for any quantity of clothing from the quarter you mention, and I will engage to have produce returned for it-that is, if it can be spared. I have employed Mr. Robert Heriot to take an account of the provi- sions in the district of Georgetown; as soon as I can get his return, I shall be able to let you know what rice is to be spared. All the south- ward parts of the country are stripped very bare, and it is very probable we shall be obliged to draw some provisions from Santee for this army. The same objection lies against paying Mr. Wayne's account. Until I can get the return above mentioned, I enclose you an order on Capt, Richardson, at the high hills of Santee, for 500 lbs. powder and 1,500 lead, 50 muskets and bayonets, 50 cartouch boxes, and 1,000 flints, which you may send for as soon as you please. As to cannon ball, I know not where to procure them; if you can point any mode that promises a probability of success, I will undertake to have the experiment made. I have already wrote you fully respecting Mr. Porcher; also, respecting Maham's and Horry's corps, and my determination about impressing horses. Mr. John Waring's situation at present being so exceedingly distressing, I have given him permission to remain at home, on his engaging to join you again as soon as possible. Mrs. Hall sends on a horse for his wagon ; I, therefore, request you would furnish the neces- sary escort, and send it forward without delay. .
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, JOHN MATTHEWS.
GOVERNOR MATTHEWS TO GENERAL MARION.
[Horry MS.]
CANE ACRE, April 16, 1782.
SIR :
The bearer, Mr. Shrewsbury, you are better acquainted with than I, therefore, I shall say no more concerning him than recommend him to
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.
be disposed of as you shall think proper. If you think he can be use- fully employed in his profession, you will do so; if not, he must do his duty as a militia man. If you approve of neither, you may either seud him back to town, or do what you please with him.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
JOHN MATTHEWS.
GEN. GREENE TO GEN. MARION.
[Hforry Me.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, April 16, 1782.
DEAR SIR:
I am favored with your letter of this day. I know of no way of reinforcing you but by Col. Hampton's corps. I will speak with the Governor on the subject. At present, I believe we have no spare arms; however, I will make more strict enquiry, and let you know. Arms are expected from the Northward, but they will be a long time on the road, if we are to judge of the future by the past. To enable me to give my orders respecting the cannon at Georgetown, you must send the size of the calibres. Every measure should be taken to preserve the provi- sions, for I am very apprehensive there will be a scarcity. I thank you for the enemy's returns of rations drawn. I think it large, but, per- haps, their force may be greater than I imagine.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, NATHANIEL GREENE.
GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.]
FERGUSON SWAMP, April 18, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
I have got thus far in my return from the Southward. I have been within eight miles of Bacon Bridge, and have had a hard march for no purpose. The General imagined the enemy was coming out, and is still of the opinion they will take the field soon ; but I think they will not without a reinforcement, which it seems they expect, as they have done for six months past. I hope the flag schooner is sailed; if so,
1
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discharge Capt. Howell's crew and cutter. Col. Moultrie is to stay in Georgetown, and collect his regiment; he will be of service to you-at least, will not keep you so much confined. I shall send Col. Mabam for the horses of your corps as soon as I hear from you. I intend to leave you thirteen, but they must not be the best. I will send you arms as soon as I get them from the high hills of Santee.
I am, yours, &c.,
FRANCIS MARION.
GOV. MATTHEWS TO GEN. MARION.
| Horry MS.]
CANE ACRE, April 18, 1782.
SIR :
The manner in which you mentioned Mr. P-, gave me no kind of apprehension of his being on the confiscation list, therefore, wrote to you respecting him as one of those who had not been noticed by the Legislature. I am, however, very glad you have proceeded no further, and this mistake of mine will serve to make me more guarded in future. It is utterly out of my power to grant Mir. P -- any indulgence, as the Act in which he is included is clear and positive. Were I to suffer him to remain in the country, it would be a partial suspension of the law, which cannot be done; I must, therefore, desire that Mr. P ---- be immediately ordered into Charlestown. An application has lately been made me in favor of Mr. Alex. Rose, who had been banished the town by the British, but I was obliged to refuse it; and, if Mr. Rose should come out, you must order him immediately to return. Before this reaches you, you will have received my order for the arms and ammuni- tion you want. My reason for ordering the horses to be returned that were impressed by order of Col. Maham, was, that Horry's horses were to be turned over to his regiment. I thought it impossible that more horses could be wanted, after having those of a whole regiment. I am sorry to tind that this regiment has proved so very insignificant, as not to be able to supply more than twelve horses; however, Maham's order was for no more than fifteen, which makes a difference of only three horses, consequently the service cannot suffer for want of so trifling a number of horses. Another reason was, that I found the authority put into very improper hands, instead of its being entrusted to very discreet persons. The thing in itself is odious, and ought to be avoided if possible; but, if such a necessity arises as renders the measure in-
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DOCUMENTARI HISTORY OF
dispensable, it ought to be exercised with caution and lenity. If I am rightly informed, the gentlemen who had the press warrant did, by no means, confine themselves to taking horses from such only as showed no disposition to serve their country; and another reason that induced me to countermand the order was, that I found it created very great dis- contents, to find that horses, which were immediately to be attached to your brigade, should be taken out of another; and, as it was likely to be productive of many inconveniences, and having already full enough to struggle with, and not conceiving the horses to be substantially neces- sary, I thought it best to put a stop to any further embarrassments on this account. As to Col. Maham's threatening to resign, because he is not permitted to do as he is pleases, he must use his own pleasure. I can assure him these Kind of threats are by no means calculated to operate with me in the manner they are intended to do, but the reverse. I am very sorry to find so few of the Charlestown militia at Georgetown. There is now a newspaper regularly published. Suppose you issue general orders for those men to join their several corps within a certain limited time, and such as do not, to send a party to take them into cus- tody; and if, on trial. they are convicted, send them to the Continental line-a few examples, perhaps, may bring them to their senses. It is disgraceful in the highest degree that men should require to be thus goaded to their duty. An express is this day arrived from Philadelphia, and brings letters from Gillon, who is arrived at the Havanna with five prizes, worth 150,000 hard dollars. It is not unlikely he may send a vessel or two to Georgetown-therefore, could wish a good look-out may be kept there. that if they arrive they may not be detained for want of a pilot. They talk much at the Northward of the French fleet coming either here or to New York. carly this spring. Let either be the object, the issue will be highly important. I could wish Charlestown to be the first, not only as most interesting to us, but because I believe the attempt here would be successful, and I have very great doubts about the other; and, because I fear if our allies were to meet with a rebuff in one place, they will not be so ready to attempt another, as success is always a stimulus to encounter new dangers. I suppose you will think I have little to do, to write so much about politics --- this is not the fact ; but my pen naturally run into its old channel before I recollected my- self. I wish I had time to give you these occurrences oftener than I do; however, if you will give me leave, I will subscribe to our news- paper for you. from whence you will stand a better chance of getting nows than from my pen.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, JOHN MATTHEWS.
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[ Horry MS.]
ST. STEPHENS, April 19, 1782.
SIR :
Yours of the 12th came to hand yesterday, on my march here. I wrote you before respecting Brodrick and Moore, to take bail for their appearance at court, and good behavior. The Georgia refugees must do duty, if they have been in this State three months. No excuse to be taken for not doing duty. Let me know if the flag has sailed; and, if you have not discharged Howell and crew, it must be done immedi- ately. Send me the calibre of the different pieces of cannon you have, that I may procure shot for thein; also, other articles which may be wanted. I wrote you yesterday by Col. Moultrie.
I am, your humble servant,
FRANCIS MARION.
P. S .- If you have any coffee and sugar, send a little by first oppor- tunity. As you have rice and indigo, you may pay off small accounts. such as is enclosed.
GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.]
ST. STEPHENS, April 22, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
I received yours of the 17th. The flag must be sent immediately back, with all her cargo, passengers, attendance, goods, &c., &c., ex- cept Mrs. Shad, Mrs. Barnes and Miss Simmons, and their attendances and property ; and I positively order no other man, woman or servants, or any property, be landed, or suffered to come ashore-but the vessel ordered immediately to go out of the harbor, on pain of being made a prize in twenty-four hours after such notice be given; and you are hereby ordered to make prize of said vessel, cargo, &c .. &c., and the captain, crew and passengers to put in close confinement, without suf- fering any person whatever to visit or speak to either of said prisoners, until my further orders. McClean, with his companions, must be kept in close confinement until a proper opportunity offers to send them to
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
the Governor of North Carolina. Col. S -- is trading on his private account, and I am not surprised at anything he has, or can do; he is no friend. I wrote you respecting the pilots, and I left you to act as you pleased respecting the boat mentioned in my last. Mir. Chatelleat has my pass to go to the Northward. You will permit the flag to carry one barrel of rice, and a few poultry, for the relief of Mr. John Cle- ments, a prisoner, and wounded in Charlestown; he is one of my brigade. No officer ever had a right to public horses; but those you have you will keep, and you have a right to them, until my further orders. The officers and men of your corps here must remain as yet. The report of galley or armed vessels to go to Georgetown, I do not think true, as I had a letter from Charlestown last evening, that says a French fleet is at Tybee; and, from the person it came from, I have reason to believe it may be true.
I am, with esteem, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS MARION.
P. S .- Since I wrote the above, I have perused the papers sent, and find Col. Ray is exchanged; he and the others mentioned in General Butler's pass are to be put on board the flag vessel, and suffered to pro- ceed to Charlestomu.
GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.]
ST. STEPHENS, April 24, 1782.
SIR:
Enclosed is a return of the companies which are to do duty in George- town. Warden's and Long's will be sent to you. I also send you the militia laws. The Governor wrote you that Commodore Gillon has carried in five Jamaica prizes in the Havanna, worth 150,000 dollars. Two of the prizes are expected in Georgetown, and the Governor desires the pilot to keep a good look out for them. Several of your men wish to enlist in the infantry, on the new bounty. Such as have but two months to serve in your corps. may be discharged, on condition of enlisting for three years, or during the war. I send two wien, with their attestations, which cannot be sworn to until your discharge is obtained, which please see done, and give them the enclosed orders to Swinton for their negroes, and grant them one month furlough. Mr. Shrews-
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
berry will wait on yon-he is a shipwright. and may be useful; but he must be watched, for be has been, and is, much suspected. He will want to send a boat to Dewees' Island for some goods, osnaburgs and Russian drab. which is for our soldiers. You will please give him a pass for that boat, and receive the goods; but he must not be suffered to go out of Georgetown. I will send fifty stand of arms, and pouches with ammunition. Col. Moultrie will want some of them, and you are to take what he may not want at present, until I get more from Gen Greene.
I am, your obedient servant, FRANCIS MARION.
GEN. MARION TO CAPT. JAMES WITHERSPOON.
[Original MS.]
ST. STEPHENS, April 24, 1782.
SIR :
Inclosed is a commission to command the King's Tree Company, and hope you will accept of it; and let no trifling matter induce you to refuse it. In these times when our country calls for men of bravery and ability, such as you, no good man, well-wisher to his country, ought to resign or shan the service, and it gives me great pleasure to see you at the head of a company, which I know will be led on by a man whose conduct and spirit I have been an eye-witness of, whom I have always had the highest opinion of, and the greatest regard for.
I am sir, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS MARION.
GEN. GREENE TO GEN. MARION.
[Horry MS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, April 28, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
From many different accounts the enemy threatens us with an attack. We have had no small uneasiness in our camp for want of pay, clothing and spirits. The discontent has reached the enemy, and it is confi- dently asserted that they are coming out to take advantage of it. I
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
think it necessary, therefore, as I am not well informed of the full ex- tent of the discontent, to call our force together from all parts, as well to awe the malcontents, if any there be, as to prevent the enemy from attempting anything in consequence thereof. I beg you will, therefore, march and join us as soon as possible, with all your force, except a small reconnoitering party; and. although this may expose a greater part of the country, yet it will serve to secure a greater object. I beg you will lose no time.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, NATHANIEL GREENE.
GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.]
APRIL 30, 1782.
SIR :
Yours of the 26th came to hand. You may do as you please with Mr. Shad's daughter. Let Col. Moultrie have four rations. I wrote you last night, and enclosed Meyer's account, but the letter is lost. You will pay him out of the indigo and rice you have in your hands ; if not sufficient, he must wait. I am called to join Gen. Greene. You will keep a good look-out, lest the enemy form an attack against you ; and let it be always a rule to be ready at a moment, if a retreat should be necessary, as my former orders. I shall be absent I fear some time. A wagon, with fifty stand of arms, is on its way from High Hills for you. Should you want ammunition. send to Mr. William Richardson. I am told your officers have publie horses, and the best; they must be given up, and all your horses and men that are out must be called in immediately, when I shall send for such as may be for dragoon service. I am, in haste, adieu,
FRANCIS MARION.
GOV. MATTHEWS TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.]
CANE ACRE, May 1, 1782.
SIR :
I understand there has been some regulation of prices lately attempted at the port of Georgetown. Such a measure is highly impolitic, and
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
must inevitably ruin the commerce that is attempted to be established there, in its very infancy. It is, therefore, my particular orders, that you give no countenance to any such measures; but, on the contrary, use your best endeavors to suppress it, and give every enouragement to a free uninterrupted trade.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, JNO. MATTHEWS.
GEN. GREENE TO GEN, MARION.
[Horry MS.]
HEAD-QUARTERS, May 1, 1782.
DEAR SIR :
I wish you to take a position in the neighborhood of camp, that we may join our force on the shortest notice, should the enemy attempt anything against us. The North Carolina troops were discharged this day; and it is highly probable that if the enemy attempt anything at all, it will be to-morrow, and more especially if they get intelligence that our foree is collecting to a point. Col. Hammond is coming to join us with a body of militia, and I wish you to take command of the whole, and forin a camp near to ours. If you will give orders for your troops to march in the morning, and come forward, we will look out a camp together; bring a small party of horse with you.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient humble servant, NATHANIEL GREENE.
GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[Horry MS.] NEAR BACON BRIDGE, May 3, 1782.
SIR :
I am posted here, two miles in front of the Continental army, within three-quarters of a mile of the above bridge. The General, according to custom, keeps me between him and the enemy. By what I can learn, we shall not move from here until the army move. Gen. Pickens' brigade is here under me; Capt. Gee's men are come here. You will relieve those at Cat Island by some other men. I hope by this you
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DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF
have received the arms. Send me by the first opportunity a general return of your corps, of men, horses, saddles and arms; as you have all the officers except Maxwell, you cannot be at a loss. If any officers or men are on a furlough, you must call them in, and give.no more leave of absence on any account. I shall send a waggon for rum, sugar and coffee; please get it ready for me. This place is a starving hole, where nothing can be had, and nothing can be expected but hard knocks. Gen. O'Hara and seventeen empty transports are arrived, and Gen. Leslie is going away, said for Jamaica. Deserters just come in say they are levelling their works, and are to contract their garrison; some say part of the troops are going with Gen. Leslie. I wrote you in my last that you may do as you please with Shad's daughter. Tell Capt. Roux he is retained in the service, and is in the second regiment. I have not time to write him.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS MARION.
GEN. MARION TO COL. P. HORRY.
[ Horry MIS.]
BACON BRIDGE, May 11, 1782.
SIR :
You will deliver all the horses you have, with the saddles, bridles, bal- ter, and swords, except 14 of the ordinary horses which you will keep for your crops. The officers must give up every public horse they have. Col. Maham will send an officer to receive them. Mr. Withers has permission to send to Charlestown some tobacco to procure necessaries for the army. You will give him passes when he applies for it, and re- ceive whatever clothing he may get. I sent you a letter by Comodore Lockwood, informing that the British intend to go to Georgetown, under French colors and dress; you will, I dare say, prevent their deception from taking effect. I am apprehensive they will go to Waccamaw ; you will keep some boats ready at the ferry above Wragg's to cross over a few men on Waccamaw. Should they go there, a fire or two on them may make them go away. The whole of the men around your post should be called for if they do attempt. We are perfectly idle here. Nothing new but that deserters from the British come in every day.
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